Mind your fingers!

[toysbyroy]

So, what can I do about it?

[Hoodoo]

I had a pawl-not-catchung problem on a Victrola. On this particular motor the pawl actuating mechanism relies on a certain amount of friction on the shaft and the little coil spring had become too weak to do its job. I added an O-ring as a helper and it now works fine.
I am not familiar with Edison motors, but could your problem have a similar cause?

[Hoodoo]

Oops, forgot to add the picture!

[toysbyroy]

Well, I noticed that the pawl on my Edison Model B had an extended end (no doubt a design fix from the earlier Model A). So, I made my own extension by flattening a lead fishing weight and gluing it to the end of the pawl. VOILA! It worked!!

[VanEpsFan1914]

I had a pawl-not-catchung problem on a Victrola. On this particular motor the pawl actuating mechanism relies on a certain amount of friction on the shaft and the little coil spring had become too weak to do its job. I added an O-ring as a helper and it now works fine.
I am not familiar with Edison motors, but could your problem have a similar cause?

These are the kinds of pawls that you definitely don't want to oil!

[Hoodoo]

Haha, yes, good point. The next time I have a look at that motor I will make sure those parts are well de-lubed. I might not need the booster o-ring at all.